Together for Health – A Strategic
Approach for the EU, 2008-2013

The European Commission adopted today a Health
Strategy setting out the direction for Community Health action in the years to
come . The White Paper, “Together for Health – A Strategic Approach
for the EU, 2008-2013” establishes a broad cross-policy framework to
respond to a wide range of health challenges in a comprehensive and coherent
way. It provides for concrete new actions aiming, among other things, to
strengthen European defences against health threats, to increase prevention and
early diagnosis of cancer and to equip citizens with the tools they need to make
informed decisions about their health. Overall, the strategy aims to help foster
good health in an ageing Europe, to protect the European Union’s citizens
against health threats and to support dynamic health systems.

EU Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou said: "The European Union is facing
new challenges. Its population is ageing fast and its recent enlargements
widened the health gaps between Member States. Migration, the mobility of health
professionals and patients, the risks posed by pandemics and bioterrorism all
represent additional challenges. So do globalisation and climate change. The
time has come for the EU to develop a strong and comprehensive strategy on
Health. The new strategy will enable us to help Member States meet a wide range
of common challenges based on shared principles and values, while keeping in
mind our global commitments. Ultimately, the prosperity of the European Union
largely depends on the health status of its citizens.”

Objectives and principles

Europe urgently needs to help its citizens live and age in good health and
remain active as they grow older. At the same time, it is vital that the EU
continues to strengthen its defences against health threats. In addition,
European citizens need efficient health systems that meet their needs. New
technologies can save lives and greatly improve healthcare. That is why the EU
needs to help Member States develop co-operation on health services and use
technology for health purposes.

In short, the Health Strategy aims to:

Foster Good Health in an Ageing Europe by promoting good health throughout
the lifespan;

Protect Citizens from Health Threats including communicable diseases,
bioterrorism, and patient safety; and

Support Dynamic Health Systems and New Technologies.

The White
Paper also sets out a number of cross-cutting principles such as solidarity,
citizen participation in policy-making and the need to reduce inequities in
health, to promote investment in health, to mainstream health in all policies,
and to strengthen the EU's voice in Global Health.

Priority actions and citizens' benefits

To live up to its principles and achieve its objectives, the Strategy sets
out a framework under which actions can be taken. The White Paper foresees 18
concrete priority actions for the next two years. These include, for instance,
proposals aimed at reducing inequities in health and at increasing the
EU’s role in global health.

Also foreseen are: a statement on fundamental health values, initiatives to
support Member States in managing innovation in health systems and work on rare
diseases.

New actions aiming to improve the health of older people, ensure that organ
transplants are safe and improve health literacy in the EU are expected to
benefit citizens directly.

More actions will be proposed during the strategy's lifespan.

Implementation through co-operation

To implement the Strategy in close co-operation with the Member States and
other key players, the White Paper foresees the creation of a structured
co-operation mechanism. It will identify priorities, define indicators,
facilitate the exchange of good practice, produce guidelines and recommendations
and measure progress.. The results of the consultation processes of 2004 and
2007 and more information on the Health Strategy can be found at:http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_overview/strategy/health_strategy_en.htm